Drug Store & HBC Chain Industry Updates

Kerr Drug has promoted Mark Gregory to Senior VP Store Operations, effectively immediately, the regional retail pharmacy chain said Monday. Gregory, who was previously VP Pharmacy and Government Affairs, will report directly to president and CEO Anthony Civello. He also is the company’s privacy officer and chairman of its political action committee.

Duane Reade is expanding its footprint in New York with a second distinct location in the historic American Surety building of the city’s Financial District.

A proposed flagship Walgreens store will open in Philadelphia. The three-story, 26,000-sq. ft. space will feature takeout salads, sushi, and a wellness center with a physician, nail salon and possibly a hair salon. Walgreens hopes to open the store fall 2012.Bartell opened its “next generation” store in Edmonds, WA on June 16. The store features “more product offerings, bright new displays, decor accents and other improvements designed to enhance the total shopping experience.”

LA Fitnessand Lifestyle Family Fitness have completed their transaction relating to LA Fitness’ purchase of the assets of 32 of the 33 Lifestyle Family Fitness clubs in Florida. The parties hope to come to terms on the final club, located at 1510 West Swann Avenue in Tampa, in the near future.

Walgreen Co. is acquiring regional drugstore chain USA Drug for $438. Walgreen will buy stock in the holding company, which owns most of the businesses being acquired in the deal. Walgreen said it expects the transaction to close around September 1st, 2012. The acquired drugstores will operate under their current brand names “in the near term” after the deal closes. Walgreen said that “decisions will be made over time” about how to “harmonize” the brands.

Green Initiatives:

At 80% of its stores, Walgreenswitched to linear fluorescent fixtures that are more energy efficient and lamps that make displays appear more vivid.

Brian has been with Chain Store Guide since 2006 and currently holds the position of Senior Market Research Manager, with responsibility for all editorial research, content, and custom market research. Prior to that, he was Managing Editor of CSG’s retail research team, as well as a market research editor. Before his tenure at CSG began, he held several management positions within the grocery industry. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from Florida Southern College.